The best steam cleaners for cars in 2024

The best steam cleaners for cars in 2023

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If you like to keep a clean car, then the condition of the interior is likely just as important to you as that of the exterior. Over time, dirt and stains accumulate and set, which can make removal more difficult. Some messes require professional deep cleaning or car detailing services but with a handheld steam cleaner of your own, you can deep clean your car at home and save some money in the process. Most handheld steam cleaners only use water, and no harsh chemicals, so they can be used on a variety of surfaces. Here are the best steam cleaners for cars available at Amazon.

$36.04 at Amazon

The Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner With Natural Sanitization has 1,000w of power and an on-demand steam trigger that controls the amount of high-pressure steam and heat being applied. This steamer is chemical-free and only uses water so it will be gentle on the surfaces you use it on. The steamer also comes with three scrubbing brushes and several cleaning tool attachments to take on every type of surface.

Key Features

#1 best-selling handheld steamer on Amazon
1,000w
Chemical free

$49.99 at Amazon

The PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner is another chemical-free option that is great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas thanks to its 9-piece accessory kit. It includes various brushes and nozzles to suit all sorts of cleaning situations. The 9.8-foot power cord and lightweight design make it easy to use in the home, outside, or in the car.

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Key Features

Chemical-free
Safety cap
Window squeegee included
Max temp of 221 °F w/ a rapid heating time

$57.32 at Amazon

The Irishom Handheld Steam Cleaner has a massive 2,500w of cleaning power and will reach its maximum temperature of 229 °F in just 10 seconds. The 1-liter water tank allows this steamer to have up to a full hour of runtime before needing to be refilled. This steamer has 6 adjustable speeds, 3 different brush heads, and a slip-proof handle.

Key Features

2,500w
3 BAR pressure steam
Water tank capacity: 1-liter
Anti-corrosion interior

$38.99 at Amazon

The Dirt Devil 7-in-1 portable handheld steamer is a lightweight, chemical cleaning tool that you can use in your home or car. It’s designed for use on multiple surface types making it another versatile option. It has 1000w of power and weighs a little over 5 and a half pounds. 

Key Features

No spill reservoir captures extra water
8.5oz water tank 
Designed to clean kitchens, bathrooms, and more
9 included attachments
Corded 

$35.99 at Amazon

This KOITAT Pressurized Steam Cleaner packs 1,050w of power and produces heat reaching a maximum temperature of 221 °F. This steamer has a 360° rotation nozzle, a safety cup that locks the filling hole, an indicator light to let you know the steamer is on and a child lock.

Key Features

1,050w
Bent nozzle
Chemical free
221 °F
Child lock
360° rotation
10-piece accessory kit

How do steam cleaners work?

Portable steam cleaners work by heating the water inside the water tank past the boiling point and emitting it through the nozzles as steam. This steam is then used to loosen dirt, mold, grime and other stains and makes it easier to clean up. Here is our tutorial on how to use a steam cleaner on Autoblog Details.

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What can be cleaned with a steam cleaner?

Many different surfaces can be cleaned with steam cleaners due to them being chemical-free most of the time. Surfaces such as hardwood floors, carpet, vinyl, countertops, tiles and other non-delicate and unsealed surfaces are compatible with steam cleaning.

What surfaces should not be steam cleaned?

Steam cleaners can handle many surfaces, but not all of them. Unsealed surfaces as well as delicate surfaces should be cleaned traditionally and not with steam. According to bobvila.com, “there are some items you should not clean with steam: namely, anything that you should never clean with water. This includes hardwood floors; unsealed ceramic tile; wood furniture; musical instruments; leather upholstery; electronics; painted surfaces; unsealed brick, stucco, or marble; light fixtures and outlets; and sensitive fabrics such as silk, velvet, velour, and suede. Water or steam can damage or stain many of these items, so avoid using the handy steam cleaner on them”.

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